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She looks exceptionally stunning today – loose blonde curls shimmering in the sun, tumbling over the shoulders of her blue and white-checkered sundress. Sal finds it hard to believe his luck – the Andie Bell agreeing to go on a walk with him after school. They’re trudging through the fallen leaves that carpet the woods, chatting about mundane things – the English essay due tomorrow, Sal’s hopes of an Oxford acceptance, the upcoming Calamity at Max Hastings’ place.
A pause rises in the conversation, Andie having just asked Sal whether or not he would be attending this week’s Calamity.
“Andie –”
She turns to face him, and for a moment, he’s struck speechless by the sparkle in her expectant eyes, the soft smile adorning her features. “Yes, Sal?” her voice, low and gentle, soothing his racing heart.
“Actually, I was wondering if –” running his hands through his hair now, pushing his bangs back from his forehead – “um. Would you want to go together? Like, with me. As a date.” A self-deprecating laugh under his breath. “I was wondering if you would want to go out with me.”
A small “oh” emitting from between her lips.
“I’ve been in love with you since we were kids, Andie,” a nervous whisper.
Her smile widening – “God, Sal, I thought you’d never ask.” And she takes his face into her hands, leans in, presses the softest kiss to his lips.
For the first time, Sal understands what it is to be truly alive.